So, you have a job interview coming up? That is exciting! But let’s be honest, interviews can be nerve-racking. You may be wondering, “What will they ask me?” How can I make a great impression? What’s the secret to standing out? I am researching the company. Knowing about the organisation is in addition to knowing information. It’s significant showing you are truly interested, prepared, and enthusiastic about the opportunity at hand. And don’t worry,  it doesn’t have to be stressful. Let us lead you through the process step by step.

Why should you research the company?

You may question, “Do I really need to spend time researching?” Yes! Here’s why it is important:

Employers want to know you are interested in their firm, rather than any company. Knowing what they do and their aims can boost your confidence throughout the interview. You may ask smart questions and give answers that meet their requirements. Research can also help you determine if this company is good for you.

How to Research the Company

So, where should you start? Here are a few simple and effective ways to discover more about the organisation.

Check Website: Begin with their website. It’s like having a virtual home. Check out these sections:

• About Us Page: What is their mission? What are their values?
• Products or Services: What does the firm provide or sell?
• News or Blog: Are there any recent announcements or updates you can provide during the interview?

If you observe a new product being introduced, you might mention it by saying, “I noticed you launched a device.” It’s wonderful to see how inventive your organisation is.

Social Media

Social media might help you get a feel for the company’s personality. Are they formal or casual? Do they celebrate their team’s accomplishments? LinkedIn is very beneficial. Follow the firm and check the latest postings for updates. It’s also a good idea to engage with employees, since they frequently give valuable information.

Read Employee Reviews

Websites such as Glassdoor and Indeed help you to learn what people think about working there. Look for trends in the reviews. Are individuals satisfied with their work environment? Do they mention any challenges?

Pro Tip: Don’t believe every single review,  some might be biased. Instead, focus on common topics.

Extra Mile

If you want to truly wow, here are a few additional suggestions:

Take a broader view of their industry: 

• Who are their competitors?
• What challenges do they face?
• How does this company differ from others in its field?

This demonstrates that you think beyond the task and see the larger picture.

Research the Interviewer

If you know who is interviewing you, look at their LinkedIn page. Consider the employee’s job inside the organisation.

• Projects they have worked on
• Similar interests

For example, “I noticed on LinkedIn that you led with key projects.” I would like to learn more about it!”

Try Products or Services

If possible, try the company’s products or services firsthand. This provides significant insight. For example, you may remark, “I tried your app and liked how user-friendly it is.” It’s obvious that a lot of thinking went into it.

Use Research During the Interview​

Now that you have completed your homework, here’s how to put it into practice:

• Customise Your Answers: Use what you have learnt to demonstrate why you are the best fit.  Instead of muttering, “I’m looking for a challenge,” respond with, “I admire your focus on innovation and would love to contribute my skills to that.”
• Ask Thoughtful Questions: When they ask, “Do you have any questions?” skip the generic stuff. Instead, try “I noticed your company values sustainability. How does this role help support that goal?”
• Show You Belong: See what you have learnt about their culture to explain why you would thrive there.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even if you have done outstanding research, look out for these typical mistakes:

• Using outdated information:  Check that your facts are up to date.
• Sounding robotic: Use your research to lead a genuine discussion, not a script.
• Skipping the basics: Don’t neglect to learn about their essential goods and services.

Conclusion

Researching a company may seem like more effort, but it is worthwhile. It not only helps you crack the interview, but it also demonstrates your willingness to go above and beyond. So, take a notebook, start exploring, and prepare to impress during your interview and wishing you “ALL THE BEST”